"New" fuel float exploded? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nosto · 06-15-2003, 08:25 PM

My fuel gauge wasn't registering anything but "E". It tested good all the way back to the sender in my poly Blazer tank. Attached a variable resistor and was able to make the gauge go from 'E' to 'F' with no problem, so I knew the problem was in the sender.

Foolishly, I took another test run around the neighborhood, and, of course, I ran out of gas. So, now I have some incentive to fix the thing!

Dropped the tank and pulled the sender out. See attached pic.

Questions:
1. Anyone know what caused this result? It looks like it 'exploded'. Truck was stored outside all winter, only about 2 gallons of gas in the tank. Maybe water in the float froze??? But there wasn't any evidence of water in the gas or filters.

2. Is there a replacement for just the float, maybe plastic ? I know I can buy a new sender for $50, but there's nothing wrong with this one, 'cept the float.

Any advice is appreciated.

Huck · 06-15-2003, 08:54 PM

Most suppliers or auto parts stores carry the float. it is pretty universal. Be gentle when installing as these things are fragile. Cost under $10. Good luck---Huck

**Ironhorse** · 06-15-2003, 09:25 PM

I had a somewhaty similar problem when I installed my under the bed poly tank. Got a new float from GMC Paul from the board vendors listed. I originally bought the tank from him and he sent me a replacement float Priority Mail no charge, and I had it in very short time. Stand up guy on his parts and service. Mind the words "Install carefully, these things are fragile" Lots of luck, Ironhorse

mtdave2 · 06-15-2003, 10:45 PM

i have gone thru 3 of them floats. i never could find one at a parts store, always had to order them...i have one spair now!. the only thing i could figure is the float is being held to tight. this last time i spread the holder out just a tad.... well see if that helps. im getting tired of changing that thing.

SEVEND2 · 06-16-2003, 04:44 PM

brothers trucks has a brass float for sending unit in there catalog

GTSF072 FOR $9.95

06-15-2003, 08:25 PM	#1
nosto Flamin' Bass Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Galloway, NJ, US Posts: 315	"New" fuel float exploded? My fuel gauge wasn't registering anything but "E". It tested good all the way back to the sender in my poly Blazer tank. Attached a variable resistor and was able to make the gauge go from 'E' to 'F' with no problem, so I knew the problem was in the sender. Foolishly, I took another test run around the neighborhood, and, of course, I ran out of gas. So, now I have some incentive to fix the thing! Dropped the tank and pulled the sender out. See attached pic. Questions: 1. Anyone know what caused this result? It looks like it 'exploded'. Truck was stored outside all winter, only about 2 gallons of gas in the tank. Maybe water in the float froze??? But there wasn't any evidence of water in the gas or filters. 2. Is there a replacement for just the float, maybe plastic ? I know I can buy a new sender for $50, but there's nothing wrong with this one, 'cept the float. Any advice is appreciated. Attached Images __________________ Rick Olson /nosto/ Galloway, NJ Pics : http://community.webshots.com/user/nosto53 1972 Triumph TR6 - full resto, now with a Toyota 5-speed 1975 F**D F-100 - rusty, but reliable 1982 HD XLH-1000 1967 C-10, shortstep, 350/M21 4spd, nitrogen tank fills fast bags on 4 corners, Toyo 255/45X20s on American Eagle 221 20X8s, shaved locks and handles, antenna, fuel filler, tiny C-notch, rear fuel tank, long headers, Edelbrock, worn 600 Holley, Checkmate flush hard cover, rear pan, custom LED taillights - painted it, too! But don't like it so I'm gonna do it again!!

06-15-2003, 09:25 PM	#3
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,294	I had a somewhaty similar problem when I installed my under the bed poly tank. Got a new float from GMC Paul from the board vendors listed. I originally bought the tank from him and he sent me a replacement float Priority Mail no charge, and I had it in very short time. Stand up guy on his parts and service. Mind the words "Install carefully, these things are fragile" Lots of luck, Ironhorse __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

06-15-2003, 10:45 PM	#4
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	i have gone thru 3 of them floats. i never could find one at a parts store, always had to order them...i have one spair now!. the only thing i could figure is the float is being held to tight. this last time i spread the holder out just a tad.... well see if that helps. im getting tired of changing that thing. __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

06-16-2003, 04:44 PM	#5
SEVEND2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Menifee, Calif, USA Posts: 2,146	brothers trucks has a brass float for sending unit in there catalog GTSF072 FOR $9.95 __________________ With a 1972 Chevy Custom-10 Long bed w/350cid th350, (under-construction). Progress on truck so far (follow link): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=51051 and stage 2 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=58132 ~ "Why couldn't you have just put the bunny back in the box?" ~

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06-15-2003, 08:54 PM	#2
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Most suppliers or auto parts stores carry the float. it is pretty universal. Be gentle when installing as these things are fragile. Cost under $10. Good luck---Huck



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